The ship has to tender in Newport, anyone been to this port? I was wondering where the tender drops you off. I've seen the Mansions many times and that is all that if offered in the excurions. Wondering what is within walking distance.

Hi janfred. I live not far from Newport and, like you, have been there several times. One of our C/NE cruises made a port call there, and I stayed on the ship! But, I just asked my husband where the tender dock was, and he said it was in an area adjacent to the Museum of Newport History. ("Near the yachts," he said, which wasn't much help at the beginning. )

As for what to do besides the mansions, there is the Cliff Walk, if you are so inclined, that is along the coast right behind the mansions. Downtown, within a reasonable walking distance of the tender port (assuming my husband was correct) are the Touro Synagogue, a few museums, and a quaint shopping area.

Lisa,
Thanks, I do believe your husband is correct. They offer 1 walking tour, which makes me thing they are meeting you at the pier and you just walk to the Colonial District. They mentions these places:
Along the way, you will pass architect Peter Harrison’s Brick Market Museum, the Old Colony House, the White Horse Tavern, and the Quaker Meeting House. You will also stroll past Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the country and one of the many sites visited by President George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others.
I think we can just go walking on our own. Like you I love to just stay on the ship sometimes.

Penny,
I am not sure about that but I can tell you the seagulls will have a fight on thier hands with me!! Sept when we did the NE/Canada curise I couldn't get off the bus fast enough to get my Lobster Roll and Fried clams (with bellies)! My husband frome PA just shakes his head at me and eats his burger, they just don't get us people from New England.